title: Pelvis/cortex ratio: A sonographic marker of pelvi ureteric junction obstruction in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study is to document pelvis/cortex ratio (P/C ratio) in children presenting with antenatally detected hydronephrosis and determine whether it could be used as a sonographic marker of Pelvi ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  All the children presenting with unilateral fetal hydronephrosis (PUJ) between Jan 2007 and March 2008 were included. Ultrasonogram was performed by the same sonologist and P/C ratio was determined by dividing maximum anteroposterior pelvic diameter with maximum cortical thickness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among a total of 111 children, 87 (78%) improved on conservative management while 24 (22%) required pyeloplasty. The mean (± SD) P/C ratio was 2.7 ± 2.18 in those improved on conservative management while 13.5 ± 1.48 in those who required surgery (P < 0.01). All (22/22) children with P/C ratio of 12 or above required pyeloplasty, while 2/5 with P/C ratio 8-12 and none (0/84) with P/C ratio less than 8 required pyeloplasty (P<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  P/C ratio could be used as a marker of PUJ obstruction in children with hydronephrosis.
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Urology and Radiology, Departments, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: Ramesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Babu
authors.forename: Venkata
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sai